To work as an electrician in California, you must be certified and licensed. Specifically, you’ll need to get the C-10 Electrical Contractor license, issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board, before you can legally bid on any project worth $500 or more.

Do all electricians have to be registered?

There’s nothing in law which states that your electrician needs to be NICEIC registered. However, just as you might not employ a builder without a CSCS card, you would think twice about hiring an electrician without NICEIC certification.

What is the difference between an electrician and a licensed electrician?

Electricians are professionals who work with electrical systems and panels. All working electricians are licensed in their respective states, but getting specialty certifications is optional. Certifications allow electricians to work with specialized electrical processes or machinery for a more focused career path.